PENDLE Tory MP Andrew Stephenson has highlighted two major health service developments in East Lancashire at Westminster.

During Business Questions in the Commons chamber he told Cabinet Minister Andrew Lansley: “Last month, construction work commenced on the brand new £9million urgent care centre at Burnley general hospital that you, as Health Secretary, approved back in March.

“Work has also commenced on demolishing the derelict Kwik Save building in Colne, which will be the site for the new Colne health centre. May we have a debate on NHS funding and the investments made in the NHS by the Government, as opposed to the Labour party, which downgraded my accident and emergency department when it was in office?”

Leader of the Commons Mr Lansley replied: “I absolutely agree. As you says, there has been investment in Burnley in facilities for those with urgent care requirements, which were downgraded by the previous Government. That shows the commitment on our part.”